Slk55 amg...

[A1GSS]

Idly wondered what the general view might be regarding this little gem. Looks to me like a bargain, at about 3-4 years old, there are several around now in AutoTrader and the like, at £20-23K, with under 20,000 miles.

Gorgeous V8. Looks good. Sounds fabulous. Goes like stink. Stops even better. Almost new. Hardly driven at all. Not especially practical I'll grant you, but a good enough runabout...

Err, what's the catch?

All remarks welcome!

I thank you.

 

[richard]

You can pick up an older SL55 for not a lot more (dunno about the mileage though). Gorgeous V8 with a lovely supercharger whine More space than a SLK too - and really really goes like stink ..

Worth a look at the CL55 kompressor too since you're on the lookout for the CL

R

 

[dowtherz]

"Car" Magazine says the SLK350 makes the SLK55 irrelevant. Just a bit slower 0-60MPH but essentially the same car with out the AMG bits. The main advantage is you can pick an SLK350 up for under £13K now so quite a lot of "bangs for your buck". I told my SLK32 AMG last year and have really missed it this summer. I'm looking at getting an SLK350 next summer, the SLK55 definitely appeals as I love the AMG brand but I'm not sure if it is worth the extra £8-10K. Here's a pic of "X777 AMG", gone but not forgotton!

 

[BTB 500]

TBH an SLK55 is the only R171 I'd consider ... for the noise if nothing else.

R230 SL has more 'issues' I think ... roof leaks, suspension. And 55s can have a problem with the supercharger clutch being noisy, which last time I looked there didn't seem to be any real fix for.

 

[joshmerc]

definitely worth a look at the sl55 komp

 

[Matt32AMG]

"Car" Magazine says the SLK350 makes the SLK55 irrelevant. Just a bit slower 0-60MPH but essentially the same car with out the AMG bits. The main advantage is you can pick an SLK350 up for under £13K now so quite a lot of "bangs for your buck". I told my SLK32 AMG last year and have really missed it this summer. I'm looking at getting an SLK350 next summer, the SLK55 definitely appeals as I love the AMG brand but I'm not sure if it is worth the extra £8-10K. Here's a pic of "X777 AMG", gone but not forgotton!

Wow you sold it.

That said the 350 is a great car though, and having driven both the SLK350 and SLK55, the 350 would be the choice purchase of the two. However I have a sneaky feeling the 32 will be a very hard act to follow for pure pleasure, if only for it's character of unruliness and super charged performance.

 

[A1GSS]

Hi, thanks all. I think I'll have a look at both. Later SL55Ks are very expensive...

 

[A1GSS]

You can pick up an older SL55 for not a lot more (dunno about the mileage though). Gorgeous V8 with a lovely supercharger whine More space than a SLK too - and really really goes like stink ..

Worth a look at the CL55 kompressor too since you're on the lookout for the CL

R

Yes, right - thanks. Others have commented about leaks and rattles in the SL, what's your experience?

 

[richard]

Yes, right - thanks. Others have commented about leaks and rattles in the SL, what's your experience?

There was an early leak problem, but these were mostly fixed under warranty - mine was. In the boot under the carpet (lifts out) on the left is a pump with a grey sponge cover. It should be dry.

I have a rattle from my roof (that I need to sort out) - no rattles with my roof down - car is 2004. I saw someone with an 05 with no rattles at all. I suspect my rattles are due to the rear windscreen being replaced along with the window seals (when the leak was fixed) - so Im just going to change all the clips that hold panels in place and lubricate the rubber seals using the liquid MB tell you to do it with.

R

 

[BTB 500]

Aren't R230s (in general) prone to suspension issues ... leaking struts & valve blocks?

 

[C240Sport97]

"Car" Magazine says the SLK350 makes the SLK55 irrelevant. Just a bit slower 0-60MPH but essentially the same car with out the AMG bits.

Rubbish.

A Merc V6, any V6, is nothing like an AMG V8. Compare it for yourself and see what you think. Difference is substantial. Bit like economy and first class.

If power, engine noise, braking and handling is important to you, an AMG V8 makes ALL the difference.

 

[richard]

Aren't R230s (in general) prone to suspension issues ... leaking struts & valve blocks?

I dont know. No struts issues with me. But valve block was replaced with 90% goodwill (i.e I paid 10%) when the car was 5 years old ... so I guess that means there are some issues but MB pay for them ?

I guess the correct thing to do is to drive both and see whether the SL is worth more money (and of course a higher cost of servicing) - my view is yes, but then I have one !

Richard

 

[Matt32AMG]

Rubbish.

A Merc V6, any V6, is nothing like an AMG V8. Compare it for yourself and see what you think. Difference is substantial. Bit like economy and first class.

If power, engine noise, braking and handling is important to you, an AMG V8 makes ALL the difference.

A Merc V6, any V6, is nothing like an AMG V8 - Yes granted and agreed by virtue of the two extra cylinders and the advantages that it offers.

However, a supercharged AMG V6 against a normally aspirated AMG V8?

Hmmn, would that be about perceptions of the entire package and what its installed in as you outine above? Both are very fine engines in their own right.

In the case of the SLK, I own one, (R170), and have driven the other,(R171), many times. Soundtrack wise, the V8 wins. I love the V8 Burble and the progressive throttle response, however, performance wise overall, the perception is, the SC V6 is like touching the blue touch paper and all hell breaks loose. The AMG V8 normally aspirated engined car is without question a fabulous unit, and nearly as quick, but somehow lacks the, “oh my god drama” of the Supercharged AMG V6. As I said before, maybe it's character of unruliness of the package is what sets it apart from its successor. JMHO

Of course the Supercharged AMG V8 unit verses the Supercharged AMG V6 unit? Then it would have to be the Supercharged AMG V8

 

[C240Sport97]

a supercharged AMG V6 against a normally aspirated AMG V8?

supercharged AMG V6 is not just a V6

The comparison was the SLK350 against the SLK55

 

[Matt32AMG]

supercharged AMG V6 is not just a V6

My thoughts exactly

The comparison was the SLK350 against the SLK55

The sound track of the V8 wins over everyday of the week, does it handle or stop any better? Not much in it if you are talking everyday driving. (The 350 engine is the same as I have in my CLK and while not a V8 it is still a cracking engine).

Money no object? Get the 55. But then that said, you'd surely go buy an early SL55 AMG. That would be my call for what it's worth

 

[dowtherz]

Matt, couldn't agree more with your comments about the SLK32, regarded as MB's last "Lairy" sports car. Of course if money was no object I'd get an SLS tomorrow, my point was that the SLK350 represents great value for money v the SLK55, I could put up with the lack of "Soundtrack"

 

[Matt32AMG]

Matt, couldn't agree more with your comments about the SLK32, regarded as MB's last "Lairy" sports car. Of course if money was no object I'd get an SLS tomorrow, my point was that the SLK350 represents great value for money v the SLK55, I could put up with the lack of "Soundtrack"

Yeah I can go there regarding the SLS, they got one down at the local dealership finished in white. Sure has a lot of presence in the metal, and damn, does that bonnet go on forever!!

Good luck with whatever you elect to buy